• Strikeforce: Emelianenko v Henderson

Henderson to weigh 206lbs against Emelianenko

ESPN staff
July 7, 2011
Dan Henderson could be 25lbs lighter than Fedor Emelianenko when they meet on July 30 © Getty Images
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Dan Henderson has confessed he is likely to enter into his Strikeforce showdown with Fedor Emelianenko weighing as little as 206lbs.

Henderson, the reigning light-heavyweight champion, has agreed to do everything on Emelianenko's terms. The bout will take place at heavyweight, despite the fact Hendo was competing at middleweight just a year ago.

The July 30 encounter represents a career-rescue mission for Emelianenko, who has lost his last two fights against Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Silva. A third defeat to a much smaller man would leave the Russian with little future prospects.

Emelianenko usually weighs around the 230lb mark, and Henderson has revealed he could be around 25lbs lighter than his rival come fight night.

"I think I have to weigh-in over 206lbs - so 206.1, I guess," Henderson told MMA Junkie when asked what he would be hitting the scales at.

"In the past, I've never felt small against heavyweights. I was excited for the fight, in general, and I don't care what he comes in at. I've never agreed with catchweights in the past, and I'm OK fighting up, so it is what it is.

"I think we match-up real well for an exciting fight. I think I've got to wear him out early in the fight and really make him keep up a pretty good pace and get on top of him, as well.

"I really hope he comes in great shape and motivated, re-motivated for this fight, because that's the Fedor I want to fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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